Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the AIAS FORUM and AIA/ACSA Intersections Research conferences, which were co-located in Austin, Texas.
Here is a recap of the Keynote (AIAS) and Presentation (AIA/ACSA) I gave, as well as a Lake Flato-led tour and sketching workshop I helped organize at the Austin Central Library (designed by the firm).
Since I am an educator (NDSU graduate architecture program) and I lead the research program at Lake Flato, this convergence of AIAS and AIA/ACSA research conferences is right up my alley! And, it is just 1.5 hour drive from home (we have an office in Austin, but I work in the San Antonio office).
I attended the previous AIA/ACSA Intersections Research conference in 2023. Here is a little more detail about the Austin event I wrote recently (prior to the event): AIA/ACSA Intersections Research + AIAS Forum - January 2025 - Austin, Texas
AIAS Opening Keynote
I gave the opening keynote Wednesday evening at the historic State Theater in Austin. Evelyn Lee, AIA 2025 president, also addressed the students.
AIA/ACSA Presentation
On Friday, I presented with Nicolas Mangon, Autodesk Vice President AEC Strategy, on Lake Flato's use of Autodesk Forma. Nicolas spoke about some of the current AI and outcome-based BIM initiatives at Autodesk. He also touched on his participation in the Notre Dame inauguration and Autodesk's support for the restoration project.
Austin Central Library Tour and Sketching
Also on Friday, six of us from Lake Flato led tours and sketching workshops for about 45 AIAS students, who were there from all across the US and beyond.
Photos above and below are of me and the group I toured around the library. Follow this link for details on the Austin Central Library. Among the many awards it has won, is the AIA COTE Top Ten award (I have to mention that one since I am on the national AIA COTE Leadership Group!).
The next few images are of Lake Flato partner, Matt Morris, leading a sketching session.
Daniel Mowery, Lake Flato Associate, led the other sketching group...
Lots of people sketching everywhere you looked:)
Miguel Elizardo, Lake Flato Design Technologist and Design Performance Specialist, led a tour.
Cole Bennette, Lake Flato Designer, led a tour.
Selfies!
Nicolas Mangon, Autodesk Vice President AEC Strategy
Debra Pothier, MBA, Autodesk Senior Go-To-Market Leader – AEC & Manufacturing
Celinda Lopez, Chaos Account Manager - Education
Kimberly Tuttle, AIAS Executive Director
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